Cane With Deployable Support Structure

ABSTRACT

A cane having: a primary leg with a top end and an opposed bottom end; a handle coupled to the top end of the primary leg; and at least two secondary legs that are each pivotably coupled to the primary leg between the top and bottom ends of the primary leg. Each of the at least two secondary legs is pivotable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/857,951, filed Apr. 24, 2020, which claims priority to and thebenefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/838,802, filed Apr. 25, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/840,197, filed Apr. 29, 2019. Each of these applications isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosed invention relates to apparatuses and methods for enablingindividuals to have a deployable support, in particular for enabling theindividuals to raise and lower themselves.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with sustained nerve damage in the lower extremities mayexperience pain and weakness, resulting in difficulty moving down to theground and standing up again. These individuals often lean on nearbyobjects to stabilize them, which is not conducive to all scenarios.Canes provide stability while walking, but this mechanism is not idealfor transfer to and from the ground.

Existing walking assistance devices such as canes are beneficial forproviding stability while walking. However, there are limitations to acane's usage. Canes have limited weight-bearing characteristics, andcannot be used to aid to regaining stability after a fall. If anindividual falls to the ground, the individual can have limitedresources to regain their footing and hoist themselves into an uprightposition. If the individual holds the cane upright against the ground toregain their footing, the cane handle may be configured too high to becomfortably grasped from the floor, and the cane's single contact pointwith the ground can also be unstable.

SUMMARY

In exemplary aspects, disclosed herein is a cane that includes aselectively deployable support and/or stabilizing structure. The canecan have a primary leg, a handle, and at least two secondary legs. Theprimary leg can have a top end and an opposed bottom end. The handle canbe coupled to the top end of the primary leg. The at least two secondarylegs can each be pivotably coupled to the primary leg between the topand bottom ends of the primary leg. Each of the at least two secondarylegs can be pivotable between a first, retracted position and a second,deployed position.

Each of the at least two secondary legs can have a proximal end that ispivotably coupled to the primary leg and an opposed distal end. When theat least two secondary legs are in the deployed position, the distal endof each secondary leg and the bottom end of the primary leg can beconfigured to concurrently engage a surface upon which a user of thecane is walking or standing.

The handle can be selectively removable and replaceable.

A collar can define an opening that receives the primary leg, and thecollar can be secured to the primary leg between the handle and theproximal ends of the at least two secondary legs. The collar can have asleeve portion and a flange portion that extends radially outwardly fromthe sleeve portion to define a support surface.

The cane can include a connector assembly having: a connector body thatdefines an opening that receives the primary leg; and at least twoconnector projections extending from the connector body. Each secondaryleg of the at least two secondary legs can be pivotably connected to arespective connector projection of the at least two connectorprojections.

The connector body can be selectively axially translatable along alength of the primary leg to effect movement of the at least twosecondary legs about and between the retracted position and the deployedposition.

The primary leg can include at least one stop element configured toengage the connector body to limit axial translation of the connectorbody along the primary leg. Optionally, the at least one stop elementcan comprise at least one button clip.

The cane can include a guide assembly having: a center coupling thatdefines an opening that receives the primary leg and is secured to theprimary leg between the proximal ends of the at least two secondary legsand the bottom end of the primary leg; and at least two extension armsextending radially outwardly from the center coupling. Each extensionarm of the at least two extension arms can be pivotably coupled to thecenter coupling and a respective secondary leg of the at least twosecondary legs.

The guide assembly can further comprise at least two outer couplings.Each outer coupling of the at least two outer couplings can be securedto a respective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs betweenthe proximal and distal ends of the secondary leg. Each extension arm ofthe at least two extension arms can be pivotably coupled to the centercoupling and a respective outer coupling of the at least two outercouplings.

The cane can include a retention assembly having: a center body thatdefines an opening that receives the primary leg and is secured to theprimary leg between the proximal ends of the at least two secondary legsand the bottom end of the primary leg; and at least two retentionelements extending radially outwardly from the center body andconfigured to engage a respective secondary leg of the at least twosecondary legs when the at least two secondary legs are in the retractedposition. Optionally, each retention element can include a mounting clipthat is configured to receive a portion of a respective secondary leg ofthe at least two secondary legs.

Optionally, the at least two secondary legs consist of two secondarylegs, and when the two secondary legs are in the deployed position, thedistal ends of the two secondary legs and the bottom end of the primaryleg provide three points of contact with the surface. The cane canfurther include a connector assembly having: a connector body thatdefines an opening that receives the primary leg; and at least twoconnector projections extending from the connector body; and two sleevesthat each receive and are secured to a proximal end of a respectivesecondary leg of the two secondary legs. Each of the two sleeves can bepivotably coupled to a respective connector projection of the twoconnector projections. Optionally, the connector body is not axiallytranslatable relative to a length of the primary leg. Optionally, theconnector body can include two stop elements. Each of the two stopelements can overlie a respective connector projection and be configuredto limit pivotal movement of a respective secondary leg relative to theconnector projection. Optionally, the two connector projections extendradially outwardly from the connector body. Optionally, the connectorbody can further define first and second receiving spaces. A firstconnector projection of the two connector projections can extenddownwardly into the first receiving space, and a second connectorprojection of the two connector projections can extend downwardly intothe second receiving space. A first sleeve of the two sleeves can be atleast partially received within the first receiving space, and wherein asecond sleeve of the two sleeves is at least partially received withinthe second receiving space.

Optionally, the at least two secondary legs can consist of threesecondary legs, and when the three secondary legs are in the deployedposition, the distal ends of the three secondary legs and the bottom endof the primary leg can provide four points of contact with the surface.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the inventionwill become more apparent in the detailed description in which referenceis made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deployable cane, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein, in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deployable cane as in FIG. 1, withthe cane in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another deployable cane in accordancewith embodiments disclosed herein, with the cane in the deployedconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the deployable cane as in FIG. 3, withthe cane in the deployed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a close-up partial perspective view of the deployable cane asin FIG. 3, in the retracted configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary retention assembly for usewith the deployable cane as in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a deployablecane in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, with thedeployable cane in the deployed configuration;

FIG. 8 is a close-up partial perspective view of the deployable cane asin FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the deployable cane as in FIG. 7, withthe deployable cane in the retracted configuration; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of first and second jointcomponents, respectively, for use with the deployable cane as in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all,embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the particularmethodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,use of the term “a projection” can refer to one or more of suchprojections, use of the term “an opening” can refer to one or more ofsuch openings, and so forth.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymouswith “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C”explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “approximately” one particularvalue, and/or to “approximately” another particular value. When such arange is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particularvalue and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “approximately,”it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values areapproximated by use of the antecedent “approximately,” it iscontemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be includedwithin the scope of those aspects.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list.

It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is inno way intended that any method set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly,where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed byits steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims ordescriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it isin no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holdsfor any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including:matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operationalflow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in thespecification.

The following description supplies specific details in order to providea thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan wouldunderstand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of usingthe apparatus can be implemented and used without employing thesespecific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methodscan be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus,system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with anyother apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to the Figures,is a cane having a selectively deployable support structure. In use, itis contemplated that the disclosed canes can provide improvedweight-bearing characteristics in comparison to conventional canes. Itis further contemplated that the disclosed tripod canes can aid users inregaining stability after a fall, in contrast to conventional canes.More particularly, it is contemplated that the positioning of the handleand/or collar and/or connector assembly of the disclosed canes and/orthe multiple points of contact between the canes and the ground canassist users with comfortably engaging the handle and/or collar andregaining their footing in a stable manner.

The cane can have two configurations: a walking mode (retractedconfiguration), in which secondary legs are folded in against the cane(primary leg) as further disclosed herein; and a deployed configuration,in which the secondary legs are spread from the cane (primary leg) toprovide a supportive structure, which can optionally have a tripodconfiguration. The secondary legs can be shorter than the cane (primaryleg) to allow the walking mode to have only one point of contact withthe ground to retain normal cane functionality.

In exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1-10B, a cane 10 cancomprise a primary leg 20, which can have a top end 22 and an opposedbottom end 24. As used herein, the term “primary leg” refers to theshaft or other elongate structure of the cane 10 that provides supportto the user of the cane and engages a floor or ground surface while thesupport structures (as further disclosed herein) are retracted (i.e.,not deployed). The cane 10 can further comprise a handle 30 coupled tothe top end 22 of the primary leg 20. The handle 30 can have any styleor shape. In exemplary aspects, the handle can be a Derby-style handle,a Fritz-style handle, an ergonomic handle, a palm-grip handle, an offsethandle (with curvature at the top end of the primary leg), atourist-style handle, an orthopedic handle, a knob-style handle, ahandle featuring a novelty design (e.g., an animal shape), orcombinations thereof. Optionally, the handle can be selectivelyremovable and replaceable. Thus, in exemplary aspects, the handle 30 canbe secured to the primary leg 20 using a fastener (e.g., a screw or alocking pin) that can be selectively removed to permit replacement oradjustment of the handle. Optionally, a user can replace a first handlewith a second handle that is of a different type or shape than the firsthandle. The cane 10 can still further comprise at least two secondarylegs 40 that are each pivotably coupled to the primary leg 20 betweenthe top and bottom ends of the primary leg. As used herein, the term“pivotably coupled” is intended to encompass any connection, coupling,or engagement that permits of components relative to one another. Inexemplary aspects, and as depicted throughout the Figures, suchpivotable coupling can be achieved through the use of pins that arereceived through aligned openings defined in the components that arepivotably coupled to one another. However, it is contemplated that otherconnection structures can be used, provided they permit the pivotalmotion disclosed herein. As further disclosed herein, each of the atleast two secondary legs 40 can be pivotable between a first, retractedposition (FIG. 2, for example) and a second, deployed position (FIG. 1,for example).

In exemplary aspects, each of the at least two secondary legs 40 cancomprise a proximal end 42 that is pivotably coupled to the primary leg20 and an opposed distal end 44. In these aspects, when the at least twosecondary legs 40 are in the deployed position, the distal end 44 ofeach secondary leg 40 and the bottom end 24 of the primary leg 20 can beconfigured to concurrently engage a surface upon which a user of thecane is walking or standing (e.g., a floor or a ground surface).Optionally, the bottom end 24 of the primary leg 20 can have a foot 28(e.g., a rubber cap or a grip and/or traction-enhancing surface) that isconfigured to engage the surface. Similarly, in other optional aspects,it is contemplated that the distal end 44 of at least one (optionallyeach) of the secondary legs 40 can have a respective foot 46 (e.g., arubber cap or a grip and/or traction-enhancing surface) that isconfigured to engage the surface. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, andas shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7-9, the at least two secondary legs 40 canconsist of two secondary legs. In these aspects, when the two secondarylegs 40 are in the deployed position, the distal ends 44 of the twosecondary legs and the bottom end 24 of the primary leg 20 can providethree points of contact with the surface upon which a user of the caneis walking or standing. Optionally, in other exemplary aspects, and asshown in FIGS. 1-2, the at least two secondary legs 40 can consist ofthree secondary legs. In these aspects, when the three secondary legs 40are in the deployed position, the distal ends 44 of the three secondarylegs and the bottom end 24 of the primary leg 20 can provide four pointsof contact with the surface upon which a user of the cane is walking orstanding.

In further exemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the cane 10 cancomprise a collar 50 that defines an opening 52 that receives a portionof the primary leg 20. In these aspects, the collar 50 can be secured tothe primary leg 20 between the handle 30 and the proximal ends 42 of theat least two secondary legs 40. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the collar 50 canhave a sleeve portion 54 (e.g., an approximately cylindrical portion)and a flange portion 56 that extends radially outwardly from the sleeveportion. As shown, the sleeve portion 54 can be closer to the handle 30(and the top end 22 of the primary leg 20) than the flange portion 56.In use, the upwardly facing side of the flange portion 56 can define asupport surface 58 that can be used by a user of the cane to provideadditional stability or support, for example, when using the cane toregain footing or otherwise lift up the body of the user. Optionally,the collar 50 can be rigidly secured to the primary leg 20 of the cane10. For example, in some aspects, a fastener (or plurality of fasteners)can secure the collar 50 to the primary leg 20. Optionally, the collar50 and the handle 30 of the cane 10 can be secured to the primary leg 20using the same fastener (or plurality of fasteners). Optionally, infurther aspects, it is contemplated that the collar 50 can be configuredfor selective axial translation relative to the primary leg 20 of thecane 10. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the collar 50 can beselectively and releasably locked in place relative to the primary leg20 using a suitable fastener, such as a clip or pin.

In further exemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-10B, thecane 10 can comprise a connector assembly 60 having a connector body 62that defines an opening 63 that receives a portion of the primary leg20. The cane 10 can comprise at least two connector projections 64extending from the connector body 62. Optionally, it is contemplatedthat each connector projection 64 can comprise multiple fingers orsections that are spaced apart relative to a transverse axis. As shownin FIGS. 1-5, it is contemplated that the connector projections 64 canextend radially outwardly from the connector body 62. However, it iscontemplated that the connector projections 64 can extend in otherdirections, including downwardly. Each secondary leg 40 of the at leasttwo secondary legs can be pivotably connected to a respective connectorprojection 64 of the at least two connector projections. Optionally, inexemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the connector body 62 canfurther comprise at least two stop elements 65. In these aspects, eachof the at least two stop elements 65 can overlie a respective connectorprojection 64. In one configuration, each stop element 65 can be anextension of the connector body 62 that extends radially beyond, and atan angle relative to, the connector projection 64. In use, it iscontemplated each of the at least two stop elements 65 can be configuredto limit pivotal movement of a respective secondary leg 40 relative tothe connector projection 64. More particularly, as the pivotal movementof the secondary leg 40 relative to the connector projection 64increases, the stop element 65 can be configured to engage a portion ofthe proximal end 42 of the secondary leg 40 to prevent further pivotalmovement. In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the stop element65 can be oriented to set a maximum amount of pivotal movement of thesecondary leg 40 relative to the retracted position, which canoptionally correspond to a vertical orientation. In these aspects, themaximum amount of pivotal movement can be a change in angularorientation (relative to the retracted (e.g., vertical) orientation)ranging from approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees.Optionally, the maximum permitted change in angular orientation can be60 degrees. In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that theangular orientation of the stop elements 65 can be selectively adjustedto modify the maximum permitted change in angular orientation of thesecondary legs.

Optionally, in some aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 3-5 and 7-10B,the connector body 62 can be fixedly secured to the primary leg 20 suchthat the position of the connector body (relative to the primary leg) isnot adjustable (i.e., the connector body is not axially translatablealong a length of the primary leg). Alternatively, in other exemplaryaspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1-2, the connector body 62 can beselectively axially translatable along a length of the primary leg 20 toeffect movement of the at least two secondary legs about and between theretracted position and the deployed position. More particularly, whenstarting from the retracted position, it is contemplated that a user ofthe cane can selectively advance the connector body 62 in a downwarddirection, thereby causing increasing outward pivotal motion of thesecondary legs 40 until a desired orientation of the secondary legs isreached. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the primary leg 20can comprise a quick release mechanism (e.g., a button clip or otherreleasable fastener) that releasably secures the connector body 62 tothe primary leg. Upon sufficient disengagement between the quick releasemechanism and the connector body 62, the connector body can beselectively advanced in a downward direction relative to the primary leg20, thereby causing deployment of the secondary legs, which providelateral support to the primary leg. Optionally, the disengagement canoccur by inward displacement of the release mechanism by the user and/orapplication of downward force to the connector body to overcome theretention force applied by the release mechanism.

It is further contemplated that the primary leg 20 can comprise at leastone stop element 26 that is positioned downwardly of the quick releasemechanism and configured to engage the connector body to limit axialtranslation of the connector body 62 along the primary leg. For example,it is contemplated that the at least one stop element 26 can comprise atleast one button clip. Optionally, the at least one stop element 26 cancomprise a plurality of stop elements (e.g., a plurality of buttonclips) that are axially spaced along a portion of the length of theprimary leg to allow the user to select the ideal configuration of thesecondary legs. In these aspects, it is contemplated that some of thestop elements can optionally be bypassed to permit further downwardmovement of the connector body 62. In further aspects, at least one ofthe stop elements (e.g., the lowest of the stop elements) can provide ahard stop that cannot be bypassed. For example, in these aspects, thehard stop can be provided by a safety collar (not shown) that defines aradially projecting lip that is configured to engage a bottom surface ofthe connector body to prevent further axial movement toward the bottomend of the primary leg, thereby preventing the secondary legs fromslipping.

In exemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, the cane 10 cancomprise at least two sleeves 90 that each receive and are secured to aproximal end 42 of a respective secondary leg 40 of the at least twosecondary legs. In these aspects, it is contemplated that each of the atleast two sleeves 90 can be pivotably coupled to a respective connectorprojection 64 of the at least two connector projections of the connectorassembly 60. As shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, each sleeve 90 can comprisea respective projection 92 that is configured for pivotable coupling toa respective connector projection 64. Optionally, it is contemplatedthat each sleeve projection 92 can comprise multiple fingers or sectionsthat are spaced apart relative to a transverse axis. More generally, itis contemplated that the sleeve projections 92 and the connectorprojections 64 can have complementary shapes that cooperate to define anopening for receiving a pin that defines an axis for pivotal motion asdisclosed herein.

In further aspects, the cane 10 can comprise a guide assembly 70 havinga center coupling 72 that defines an opening 74 that receives theprimary leg 20. The center coupling 72 can be secured to the primary leg20 between the proximal ends 42 of the at least two secondary legs andthe bottom end 24 of the primary leg. The guide assembly 70 can furthercomprise at least two extension arms 76 extending radially outwardlyfrom the center coupling 72. Each extension arm 76 of the at least twoextension arms can be pivotably coupled to the center coupling 72 and arespective secondary leg 40 of the at least two secondary legs.Optionally, in additional aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the guideassembly 70 can further comprise at least two outer couplings 78. Inthese aspects, each outer coupling 78 of the at least two outercouplings can be secured to a respective secondary leg 40 of the atleast two secondary legs between the proximal and distal ends 42, 44 ofthe secondary leg. Each extension arm 76 of the at least two extensionarms can be pivotably coupled to the center coupling 72 and a respectiveouter coupling 78 of the at least two outer couplings. Thus, duringmovement of the secondary legs 40 about and between the retracted anddeployed positions, the guide assembly 70 can smoothly guide and controlthe motion of the respective secondary legs. Additionally, the extensionarms 76 can provide further stability to the secondary legs.

In still further aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1-2 and 6, thecane 10 can comprise a retention assembly 80 comprising a center body 82that defines an opening 84 that receives a portion of the primary leg20. The retention assembly 80 can be secured to the primary leg 20between the proximal ends 42 of the at least two secondary legs 40 andthe bottom end 24 of the primary leg 20. The retention assembly 80 canfurther comprise at least two retention elements 86 extending radiallyoutwardly from the center body 82. As shown in FIG. 2, each retentionelement 86 can be configured to engage a respective secondary leg 40 ofthe at least two secondary legs when the at least two secondary legs arein the retracted position. In exemplary aspects, each retention element86 can comprise a mounting clip that is configured to receive a portionof a respective secondary leg 40 of the at least two secondary legs.However, it is contemplated that any clip, clamp, clasp, hook-and-loopfastener, or other fastener that is capable of retaining the secondarylegs in a retracted position as disclosed herein can be used.

In the exemplary configuration depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the at least twosecondary legs 40 can consist of two secondary legs. As shown, the atleast two connector projections 64 of the connector assembly can consistof two connector projections. As shown, the connector projections 64 canextend radially outwardly from the connector body 62. Optionally, theconnector body can have two stop elements 65. The guide assembly andretention assembly can optionally be omitted.

In the exemplary configuration depicted in FIGS. 7-10B, the connectorbody 62 can define first and second receiving spaces 66 a, 66 b. Asshown, first and second connector projections 64 a, 64 b can extend,respectively, within the first and second receiving spaces 66 a, 66 b.Optionally, a first sleeve 90 a (associated with a first secondary leg)can be at least partially received within the first receiving space 66a, and a second sleeve (associated with a second secondary leg) can beat least partially received within the second receiving space 66 b, withthe projections 92 of the sleeves being pivotably coupled to theconnector projections (e.g., in the manner of a hinge). In exemplaryaspects, the connector body 62 can have a structure as depicted in FIGS.10A-10B. As shown, the first receiving space 66 a can be defined by afirst outer wall 67 a, a first inner wall 68 a, and a first upper wall69 a, while the second receiving space 66 b can be defined by a secondouter wall 67 b, a second inner wall 68 b, and a second upper wall 69 b.Optionally, as shown, the first and second receiving spaces 66 a, 66 bcan connect to one another. It is contemplated that the first connectorprojection 64 a can extend downwardly into the first receiving space 66a, while the second connector projection 64 b can extend downwardly intothe second receiving space 66 b. In this configuration, it iscontemplated that the upper walls 69 a, 69 b can function as stopelements 65 to restrict movement of the first and second secondary legs.Optionally, in some aspects, the distal ends 44 and/or feet 46 of thetwo secondary legs 40 can be coupled together and stabilized by anextension arm 100. In these aspects, the extension arm 100 can comprisea first section that is pivotably coupled to the distal end 44 of afirst secondary leg and a second section that is pivotably coupled tothe distal end 44 of a second secondary leg, with the first and secondsections being pivotably coupled to one another. In use, as shown inFIG. 7, when the first and second secondary legs are moved to thedeployed position, the first and second sections of the extension arm100 can form an approximately horizontal support structure. In theretracted position, as shown in FIG. 9, the first and second sectionscan pivot relative to the first and the second secondary legs and to oneanother to produce a minimal horizontal profile that permits retractionof the first and second secondary legs.

In use, the configurations depicted in FIGS. 3-6 and 7-10B permit a userto easily move the secondary legs between a retracted configuration anda deployed configuration by angling the primary leg 20 from a verticalorientation (in which the secondary legs are likewise verticallyoriented) to an angled orientation as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. When theprimary leg 20 is angled, the angular orientation of the connectorprojections 64 (and the pivotably coupled secondary legs) cause thesecondary legs 40 to pivot outwardly to produce a tripod structure. Inthis configuration, it is understood that the length of the secondarylegs will be less than the length of the primary leg 20 so that in astandard (vertical) cane configuration, only the primary leg willcontact the ground/floor. Optionally, in some aspects, it iscontemplated that the connector projections 64 can be angularly offsetby approximately 120 degrees relative to one another, with the primaryleg positioned in between the two connector projections. In theseaspects, it is contemplated that when the primary leg is angleddownwardly as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the primary leg and the twosecondary legs can form an approximately symmetrical tripod structure.

As further disclosed herein, the connector assembly can hold thesecondary legs, and lock the secondary legs in place with screws and/orpins. The collar can fit directly on top of the connector body, and theconnector body itself can be suitable for grasping, thereby providingusers with a stable weight bearing component to plant their hands andhoist themselves up to standing position. To deploy the secondary legs,the user can apply pressure down onto the connector body, which shiftsthe secondary legs and the connector body downward, thereby deployingthe secondary legs. A rubber foot can be disposed at the bottom of eachsecondary leg to prevent the device from slipping on smooth terrain andallow the device to be used in various environments.

When the secondary legs are deployed, the button clips (or other stopelements) can be engaged, thereby preventing the secondary legs frommoving toward their respective retracted positions. The user can depressthe button clips to release the secondary legs. The user can then liftthe connector body upward to close the secondary legs, thereby revertingthe device into the traditional cane position, with only the primary legin contact with the ground/floor. As the device is reverted into thetraditional cane position, the secondary legs can be moved mediallytoward the primary leg, and the connector body is shifted upward towardthe handle.

In exemplary aspects, the primary leg of the cane can be adjusted to theuser's preferred cane height in the walking position. The primary legcan comprise aluminum or other similar lightweight metal materials.

It is contemplated that the collar, the connector assembly, the guideassembly, the retention assembly, and/or various other componentsdisclosed herein can be 3-D printed, injection molded, or manufacturedby any other method known to those skilled in the art.

Optionally, foam bumpers or other dampening material can be attached toportions (e.g., the bottom) of each extension arm to allow for simpledeployment of the secondary legs and minimize damaging mechanicalengagement with other device components.

In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the disclosed connectorassembly 60 (and, optionally, the disclosed guide assembly 70 and/orretention assembly 80) can be attached to an existing cane to produce aretrofitted cane that operates as disclosed herein.

Optionally, the connector body can comprise a corner swivel socket-typepipe joint (e.g., model no. C52-555) that is modified to restrictpivotal movement of the joint using stop elements as disclosed herein.

Although referred to herein as a deployable cane having two or threesecondary legs, in further embodiments, the deployable cane can havefour, five, six, or more deployable secondary legs.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variationsthereof, herein below are described certain more particularly describedaspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should nothowever be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any differentclaims containing different or more general teachings described herein,or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way otherthan the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A cane comprising: a primary leg having a top end and anopposed bottom end; a handle coupled to the top end of the primary leg;and at least two secondary legs that are each pivotably coupled to theprimary leg between the top and bottom ends of the primary leg, whereineach of the at least two secondary legs is pivotably between a first,retracted position and a second, deployed position.

Aspect 2: The cane of aspect 1, wherein each of the at least twosecondary legs comprises a proximal end that is pivotably coupled to theprimary leg and an opposed distal end, wherein when the at least twosecondary legs are in the deployed position, the distal end of eachsecondary leg and the bottom end of the primary leg are configured toconcurrently engage a surface upon which a user of the cane is walkingor standing.

Aspect 3: The cane of aspect 2, wherein the at least two secondary legsconsists of two secondary legs, and wherein when the two secondary legsare in the deployed position, the distal ends of the two secondary legsand the bottom end of the primary leg provide three points of contactwith the surface.

Aspect 4: The cane of aspect 2, wherein the at least two secondary legsconsists of three secondary legs, and wherein when the three secondarylegs are in the deployed position, the distal ends of the threesecondary legs and the bottom end of the primary leg provide four pointsof contact with the surface.

Aspect 5: The cane of any one of aspects 2-4, wherein the handle isselectively removable and replaceable.

Aspect 6: The cane of any one of aspects 2-5, further comprising acollar that defines an opening that receives the primary leg, whereinthe collar is secured to the primary leg between the handle and theproximal ends of the at least two secondary legs.

Aspect 7: The cane of aspect 6, wherein the collar has a sleeve portionand a flange portion that extends radially outwardly from the sleeveportion to define a support surface.

Aspect 8: The cane of any one of aspects 2-7, further comprising aconnector assembly having: a connector body that defines an opening thatreceives the primary leg; and at least two connector projectionsextending from the connector body, wherein each secondary leg of the atleast two secondary legs is pivotably connected to a respectiveconnector projection of the at least two connector projections.

Aspect 9: The cane of aspect 8, wherein the connector body isselectively axially translatable along a length of the primary leg toeffect movement of the at least two secondary legs about and between theretracted position and the deployed position.

Aspect 10: The cane of aspect 9, wherein the primary leg comprises atleast one stop element configured to engage the connector body to limitaxial translation of the connector body along the primary leg.

Aspect 11: The cane of aspect 10, wherein the at least one stop elementcomprises at least one button clip.

Aspect 12: The cane of any one of aspects 2-11, further comprising aguide assembly having: a center coupling that defines an opening thatreceives the primary leg and is secured to the primary leg between theproximal ends of the at least two secondary legs and the bottom end ofthe primary leg; and at least two extension arms extending radiallyoutwardly from the center coupling, wherein each extension arm of the atleast two extension arms is pivotably coupled to the center coupling anda respective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs.

Aspect 13: The cane of aspect 12, wherein the guide assembly furthercomprises at least two outer couplings, wherein each outer coupling ofthe at least two outer couplings is secured to a respective secondaryleg of the at least two secondary legs between the proximal and distalends of the secondary leg, and wherein each extension arm of the atleast two extension arms is pivotably coupled to the center coupling anda respective outer coupling of the at least two outer couplings.

Aspect 14: The cane of any one of aspects 2-13, further comprising aretention assembly comprising: a center body that defines an openingthat receives the primary leg and is secured to the primary leg betweenthe proximal ends of the at least two secondary legs and the bottom endof the primary leg; and at least two retention elements extendingradially outwardly from the center body and configured to engage arespective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs when the atleast two secondary legs are in the retracted position.

Aspect 15: The cane of aspect 14, wherein each retention elementcomprises a mounting clip that is configured to receive a portion of arespective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs.

Aspect 16: The cane of aspect 3, further comprising: a connectorassembly having: a connector body that defines an opening that receivesthe primary leg; and at least two connector projections extending fromthe connector body; and two sleeves that each receive and are secured toa proximal end of a respective secondary leg of the two secondary legs,wherein each of the two sleeves is pivotably coupled to a respectiveconnector projection of the two connector projections.

Aspect 17: The cane of aspect 16, wherein the connector body is notaxially translatable relative to a length of the primary leg.

Aspect 18: The cane of aspect 16 or aspect 17, wherein the connectorbody further comprises two stop elements, wherein each of the two stopelements overlies a respective connector projection and is configured tolimit pivotal movement of a respective secondary leg relative to theconnector projection.

Aspect 19: The cane of any one of aspects 16-18, wherein the twoconnector projections extend radially outwardly from the connector body.

Aspect 20: The cane of aspect 18, wherein the connector body furtherdefines first and second receiving spaces, wherein a first connectorprojection of the two connector projections extends downwardly into thefirst receiving space, wherein a second connector projection of the twoconnector projections extends downwardly into the second receivingspace, wherein a first sleeve of the two sleeves is at least partiallyreceived within the first receiving space, and wherein a second sleeveof the two sleeves is at least partially received within the secondreceiving space.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced withinthe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cane comprising: a primary leg having a top endand an opposed bottom end; a handle coupled to the top end of theprimary leg; and at least two secondary legs that are each pivotablycoupled to the primary leg between the top and bottom ends of theprimary leg, wherein each of the at least two secondary legs ispivotable between a first, retracted position and a second, deployedposition.
 2. The cane of claim 1, wherein each of the at least twosecondary legs comprises a proximal end that is pivotably coupled to theprimary leg and an opposed distal end, wherein when the at least twosecondary legs are in the deployed position, the distal end of eachsecondary leg and the bottom end of the primary leg are configured toconcurrently engage a surface upon which a user of the cane is walkingor standing.
 3. The cane of claim 2, wherein the at least two secondarylegs consists of two secondary legs, and wherein when the two secondarylegs are in the deployed position, the distal ends of the two secondarylegs and the bottom end of the primary leg provide three points ofcontact with the surface.
 4. The cane of claim 2, wherein the at leasttwo secondary legs consists of three secondary legs, and wherein whenthe three secondary legs are in the deployed position, the distal endsof the three secondary legs and the bottom end of the primary legprovide four points of contact with the surface.
 5. The cane of claim 2,wherein the handle is selectively removable and replaceable.
 6. The caneof claim 2, further comprising a collar that defines an opening thatreceives the primary leg, wherein the collar is secured to the primaryleg between the handle and the proximal ends of the at least twosecondary legs.
 7. The cane of claim 6, wherein the collar has a sleeveportion and a flange portion that extends radially outwardly from thesleeve portion to define a support surface.
 8. The cane of claim 2,further comprising a connector assembly having: a connector body thatdefines an opening that receives the primary leg; and at least twoconnector projections extending from the connector body, wherein eachsecondary leg of the at least two secondary legs is pivotably connectedto a respective connector projection of the at least two connectorprojections.
 9. The cane of claim 8, wherein the connector body isselectively axially translatable along a length of the primary leg toeffect movement of the at least two secondary legs about and between theretracted position and the deployed position.
 10. The cane of claim 9,wherein the primary leg comprises at least one stop element configuredto engage the connector body to limit axial translation of the connectorbody along the primary leg.
 11. The cane of claim
 10. wherein the atleast one stop element comprises at least one button clip.
 12. The caneof claim 2, further comprising a guide assembly having: a centercoupling that defines an opening that receives the primary leg and issecured to the primary leg between the proximal ends of the at least twosecondary legs and the bottom end of the primary leg; and at least twoextension arms extending radially outwardly from the center coupling,wherein each extension arm of the at least two extension arms ispivotably coupled to the center coupling and a respective secondary legof the at least two secondary legs.
 13. The cane of claim 12, whereinthe guide assembly further comprises at least two outer couplings,wherein each outer coupling of the at least two outer couplings issecured to a respective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legsbetween the proximal and distal ends of the secondary leg, and whereineach extension arm of the at least two extension arms is pivotablycoupled to the center coupling and a respective outer coupling of the atleast two outer couplings.
 14. The cane of claim 2, further comprising aretention assembly comprising: a center body that defines an openingthat receives the primary leg and is secured to the primary leg betweenthe proximal ends of the at least two secondary legs and the bottom endof the primary leg; and at least two retention elements extendingradially outwardly from the center body and configured to engage arespective secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs when the atleast two secondary legs are in the retracted position.
 15. The cane ofclaim 14, wherein each retention element comprises a mounting clip thatis configured to receive a portion of a respective secondary leg of theat least two secondary legs.
 16. The cane of claim 3, furthercomprising: a connector assembly having: a connector body that definesan opening that receives the primary leg; and at least two connectorprojections extending from the connector body; and two sleeves that eachreceive and are secured to a proximal end of a respective secondary legof the two secondary legs, wherein each of the two sleeves is pivotablycoupled to a respective connector projection of the at least twoconnector projections.
 17. The cane of claim 16, wherein the connectorbody is not axially translatable relative to a length of the primaryleg.
 18. The cane of claim 16, wherein the connector body furthercomprises two stop elements, wherein each of the two stop elementsoverlies a respective connector projection and is configured to limitpivotal movement of a respective secondary leg relative to the connectorprojection.
 19. The cane of claim 16, wherein the two connectorprojections extend radially outwardly from the connector body.
 20. Thecane of claim 1, further comprising an extension arm comprising firstand second sections that are each pivotably coupled to respective distalends of each secondary leg of the at least two secondary legs, whereinthe first and second sections are pivotably coupled to each other.